Last updated on Jul 15, 2024

Here's how you can help a candidate conquer resistance to change during an interview.

Change is often met with resistance, especially during the high-stakes scenario of a job interview. Candidates might be hesitant to embrace different perspectives or new challenges. By leveraging the principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI), a counseling approach designed to engage a person's intrinsic motivation to change, you can guide candidates to overcome their reluctance. MI involves active listening and empathetic communication to help individuals explore and resolve ambivalence about change. Understanding how to apply these techniques in an interview can transform a candidate's resistance into readiness for change.

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1 Build Trust

Building trust is the cornerstone of any interaction, especially when helping someone navigate through change. During an interview, start by creating a comfortable and non-judgmental environment. Listen actively and acknowledge the candidate's experiences and feelings. It's essential to convey empathy and understanding, as this establishes a rapport that encourages open communication. This trust will serve as a foundation for the candidate to discuss their concerns about change more freely.

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Prince Peter

Independent Advocate at Chambers of Prince Peter || FREELANCER || LEGAL CONSULTANT
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Yes building confidence and trust on the interviewer is one of important aspects to keep in mind when it comes to attending an interview and successfully cracking and easiest and the best way to gain confidence is by being attentive to the questions which are been put Forth before the interview candidate. The next way is by having knowledge about the field and topic relating to the job profile. So it is necessary for a candidate to have thorough knowledge of the subject matter and this comes from research and reading on relevant topic. If the candidate has these two skills it is very easy for the Crack the interview and secure a job.

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2 Open Dialogue

Initiating an open dialogue is crucial in understanding the candidate's perspective. Ask open-ended questions that prompt reflection rather than simple yes or no answers. Encourage the candidate to share their thoughts on change and listen without interruption or judgment. This approach allows you to gain insight into their fears and hesitations. Through this dialogue, you can help the candidate articulate their values and how the potential change aligns with them.

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Prince Peter

Independent Advocate at Chambers of Prince Peter || FREELANCER || LEGAL CONSULTANT
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Yes having an open ended dialogue helps the candidate to quickly answer the interview question and it also gives the candidate a clear picture of the scenario and question. This will help the interviewer to ascertain whether the candidate has the ability and skills to take quick decision and if the candidate has the skill then the candidate is the suitable person for the position. It also helps the interviewer ascertain the view points of the candidate and what kind of a nature does the candidate posses.

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3 Reflective Listening

Reflective listening is a key aspect of Motivational Interviewing that involves echoing back what the candidate says to show understanding and encourage deeper exploration of their feelings. When a candidate expresses resistance to change, reflect on their statements by paraphrasing or summarizing their points. This technique not only validates their feelings but also helps them hear their concerns, possibly leading to self-motivated arguments for change.

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Prince Peter

Independent Advocate at Chambers of Prince Peter || FREELANCER || LEGAL CONSULTANT
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Reflective listening or echoing generally happens when a person is impressed by certain words or statements which are otherwise rarely told by others this has a positive impact and impression on the candidate and at times candidates take decision on the basis of reflective speech .

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4 Elicit Change Talk

Elicit change talk by guiding the conversation toward the positive aspects of change. Focus on the candidate's strengths, past successes, and potential for growth. Highlight discrepancies between their current situation and their goals, and how embracing change could bridge that gap. Through strategic questioning, you can help the candidate voice their own arguments for change, which is more persuasive than external advice.

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5 Empower Decision

Empowerment is about helping the candidate feel capable of making the change. Affirm their ability to adapt and overcome challenges. Discuss past instances where they successfully navigated change, and how those skills are transferable to the current situation. By reinforcing their self-efficacy, you help shift their perspective from doubt to confidence, making them more open to change.

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Prince Peter

Independent Advocate at Chambers of Prince Peter || FREELANCER || LEGAL CONSULTANT
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Empowering a candidate is advisable because it creates a positive image of the interviewer and the company and Generally employees look for organisation and seniors who encourage the employee and help them give their best because candidates do look for career growth along with work culture , policy, remuneration structure of the organization.

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6 Next Steps

Finally, discussing next steps can solidify the candidate's commitment to change. Collaboratively create a plan that outlines actionable steps they can take. Ensure these steps are specific, achievable, and relevant to both the candidate's goals and the potential new role. Having a clear plan provides direction and can reduce the anxiety associated with change, leading to a more positive outlook on the transition.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can help a candidate conquer resistance to change during an interview.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Build Trust

2 Open Dialogue

3 Reflective Listening

4 Elicit Change Talk

5 Empower Decision

6 Next Steps

7 Here’s what else to consider

Motivational Interviewing

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Here's how you can help a candidate conquer resistance to change during an interview.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Build Trust

2 Open Dialogue

3 Reflective Listening

4 Elicit Change Talk

5 Empower Decision

6 Next Steps

7 Here’s what else to consider

Motivational Interviewing

Rate this article

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